St. Louis Cardinals' Yadier Molina will try to play with thumb splint in NLDS

St. Louis Cardinals' Yadier Molina watches his RBI ground-rule double during the first inning of a baseball game against the New York Mets Saturday, July 18, 2015, in St. Louis. Photo Credit: AP / Jeff Roberson

Molina partially tore ligament on Sept. 20 making a tag at the plate and hasn't played since. St. Louis said the injury was still present, and he will test the splint during workouts the next few days.

General manager John Mozeliak said Molina was feeling stronger and added he was "still optimistic" the 33-year-old would be on the postseason roster.

Backup Tony Cruz would be the starter if Molina is unable to play. Cruz batted .204 overall but was 11 for 38 (.289) with five doubles and four RBIs after taking over in the regular season.

Ed Easley, a 29-year-old rookie, was the backup while Molina was out and was 0 for 6 on the year with one RBI.

St. Louis starts its postseason at home Friday night against the Chicago Cubs or Pittsburgh.